Here, at one of the Five Lakes in Jasper, Alberta, I was one-of-those who enjoyed soaking up some of God’s glorious creation.
This summer I had a conversation with an intelligent and wonderful woman. She is a retiring from the professional world, and about to enter the life of retirement. During our conversation, she mentioned to me about a letter I should have received in the mail. I stated that I never saw an envelope for me, and if it was from my husband’s company (which it was), I usually leave those envelopes for Tim to open. He’s the financial advisor and I’d rather him open an envelope regarding things of that matter.
She defensively/offendedly/however said, “You’re not one-of-those are you?”
At first, I wasn’t sure how to react, but I truly didn’t let it bother me. Yet…it did get me thinking:
Am I one-of-those who:
- Shares a bank account with my spouse? Yes. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with those married folks who have separate accounts. From what I hear, some of my friends prefer their own account.
- Has a man who takes on the role of paying the bills for the family? You bet. I could, and I used to when we were first married, but Tim enjoys (well…not enjoys…who enjoys paying bills) his position of the bill-payer.
- Has the family meal prepared each night when all arrive home? No way! LOL! I’m grateful that my man enjoys cooking. We cook a lot together. Some nights are like tonight…Pizza Night.
- Like my late mother-in-law was taught in school…looks fresh, makeup on, and hair presentable for my man when he walks in the door from work? You’ve got to be kidding me! This is my first year in a while not working. I took a leave this year. When working, we would often arrive home at the same time or I was just shy of beating him home. Now, with moving a kid to an apartment in college, running around like a taxi driver for our youngest (for about 5 more months…WooHoo!!!), pulling weeds, refurbishing furniture, all household chores, etc., he’s lucky if I wiped my face and put on deodorant. (Okay, I do at least do that.)
Now these are “feminine” related, as I understood her question to be. And we could go on and on with this list. Although, I’d like to focus on another list…
Am I one-of-those who:
- Spends time with Jesus each day? Absolutely! Before I seek the face I man, I seek the face of The Man. Not only do Jesus and I spend time in the morning together, but throughout the day. I need him! “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33
- Prays for my children and family each day? Sometimes I think it’s with every other breath. Raising children, no matter the age or the stage, has challenges. Prayer works and calms me. God’s got them! “Never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- Hurts when others are hurting, and celebrates others’ successes? Amen. We all need to learn to be empathetic. Wishing ill on someone, or being envious of someone else’s success is often in our human nature. Friend, take it from me, you will be so much happier and at peace when you are just kind to/happy for/empathetic with others. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15
- Is OVER our country bickering, belittling, and being down right mean to each other, all because someone doesn’t agree with our opinion? OMGoodness yes! Talk about hurting for others…my heart aches for our country. Listen, we will not all agree with one another. We are all different (Praise the Lord). R-E-S-P-E-C-T one another. Like the old saying goes, “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” We are all sinners. Praise God I’m saved by His grace. This world needs Jesus. (Can you agree with me on that?) We all need to pray, stand strong for our Christian values and principles, without hurting (or killing) one another. “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Again, this list could go on and on.
I guess my point is, it doesn’t matter to me if people think I’m-on-of-those according to worldly standards. Yes, I am a strong, independent, and an intelligent woman, but I am also weak and need my Jesus’ strength each day, dependent on His daily word, and am still learning more about my Savior and His desires for me each day.
Are you one-of-those…a child of God? I hope so. Having Christ in me/you makes the world of difference.
Blessings to you and yours. Love, Stephanie.